The gear that Travel Editor takes on a typical assignment for a story. (Not pictured: an Apple Mac Book.)

The gear that Travel Editor takes on a typical assignment for a story. (Not pictured: an Apple Mac Book.)

Photo: Russell Yip, The Chronicle

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From left to right: A generic brand three-plug power bar with breaker reset; a charger for Duracell's rechargeable AA batteries; Kensington International Travel Plug Adapter; a generic charger for Panasonic camera batteries; the Griffin 2.1 amp Car Charger for iPod, iPhone and iPad; and the 5v USB charger from Apple for iPhone and iPod. less

From left to right: A generic brand three-plug power bar with breaker reset; a charger for Duracell's rechargeable AA batteries; Kensington International Travel Plug Adapter; a generic charger for Panasonic ... more

Photo: Russell Yip, The Chronicle

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The neoprene Two Bottle Tote by Built NY is intended for carrying wine but serves double duty as a padded carrier for point-and-shoot cameras, lenses and other tech gear.

The neoprene Two Bottle Tote by Built NY is intended for carrying wine but serves double duty as a padded carrier for point-and-shoot cameras, lenses and other tech gear.

Photo: Russell Yip, The Chronicle

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Whether to take the pro Canon equipment or the point-and-shoot depends heavily on how much control you want with your photos -- and how much you're willing to carry. The body of the Canon EOS 1D Mark II weighs almost 3.5 pounds by itself. Bring along an extra lens, extra battery and the standard canon charger and you're talking about some serious weight. less

Whether to take the pro Canon equipment or the point-and-shoot depends heavily on how much control you want with your photos -- and how much you're willing to carry. The body of the Canon EOS 1D Mark II weighs ... more

The Panasonic Lumix LX-3 offers many advanced features and settings, including a 24mm equivalent wide-angle lens and 720 HD video in wide-screen mode, but at 9.3 ounces is just a fraction of most DSLR rigs.

The Panasonic Lumix LX-3 offers many advanced features and settings, including a 24mm equivalent wide-angle lens and 720 HD video in wide-screen mode, but at 9.3 ounces is just a fraction of most DSLR rigs.

Photo: Russell Yip, The Chronicle

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An Apple iPad tablet computer

An Apple iPad tablet computer

Photo: George Frey, Bloomberg

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The Plane Case (with spinner wheels) by TravelSmith is a rolling overnight bag that can fit under most airline seats. While not built specifically to carry tech gear, it can hold a laptop or iPad (if separately padded) and plenty of accessories and chargers. It comes with a separate tote that can be folded and stowed in the front pocket. less

The Plane Case (with spinner wheels) by TravelSmith is a rolling overnight bag that can fit under most airline seats. While not built specifically to carry tech gear, it can hold a laptop or iPad (if separately ... more

Photo: Russell Yip, The Chronicle

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Gadget junkies love to take technology on trips

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There was a time when the pinnacle of advanced technology in the average traveler's luggage was a portable curling iron or a Norelco shaver with spinning heads.

Now it's the average traveler's head that's spinning.

Pretty much since the dawn of the portable computer - and the portable music player, the portable phone and the portable solar-powered underwater beard trimmer - travelers increasingly are loading themselves down with technology to use on the road, for communicating, chronicling, working and entertaining.

The problem is that, while some gadgets have replaced low- or no-tech items - film cameras, paper guidebooks, fold-out maps, foreign-language phrase books - most of the technology is allowing travelers to do things they couldn't before. And it's adding to the bulk of their bags.

As an unashamed "gear mule" (thank you, SkyMall), I probably carry more equipment than the typical traveler, although for many of the same (albeit more extreme) reasons.

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Most travelers these days are indulging in some degree of photography or videography, connecting with home or the home office, staying current on e-mail or Facebook, and offering recaps of the day's travels for friends and relatives.

What follows is a list of what I take on the road and why, from the bare-minimum kit to full Gear-Junkie-From-Hell package, as well as a list of gear I'd love to have and some tips for managing the madness.

Essentials

Here's the absolute bare-minimum list of equipment that I wouldn't leave home without:

Smart phone: When I first got the iPhone 3Gs (starting at $99 plus two-year contract), my wife thought it would be another toy. Since then, having access to the Internet, maps, plane and train schedules and language translation - all without Wi-Fi - has rescued us in a dozen destinations on three continents. (When our driver in Berlin couldn't make his GPS work, we made the flight on time only after calling up the route on my phone and directing him to the airport.)

Point-and-shoot camera: I carry the Panasonic Lumix LX-3 (around $400 on Amazon.com), one of the only point-and-shoots with a built-in wide-angle lens (24mm equivalent) for giving pictures the depth of pro shots. Also shoots video in 720 HD in wide-screen format (16:9). Downside is that the zoom only goes up to 60mm (unless you buy the adapter and converter). The range on the newer Lumix LX-5 is 24-90mm.

Camera battery charger: Charge the battery every night on the road, whether it needs it or not.

Extra camera battery: Always buy an extra battery for any camera you own. It's not just about having power longer, it's about what happens when you're in some remote corner of India, Norway or Hoboken and the lone battery that came with the camera dies or disappears.

SD digital memory cards: I take at least three and swap them out during the trip, not because they're full, but so I don't lose everything if the camera is stolen or destroyed. I'm using Lexar Platinum II 8GB cards that I bought on sale ($18.99 at Target).

USB power adapter: Almost anything that can be charged from a 5-volt USB outlet can use the same charger, just with different wires. I use the cube that came with my iPhone ($29 at the Apple Store) to charge a Motorola cell phone, an iPod Nano, two kinds of external backup battery and a clip-on book light.

Cables: For USB to Apple dock and USB to mini-USB.

Cable wraps or large rubber bands: With as many as 12 cords on a trip, keeping them tidy is a chore. I recently started using the Bobino Cable Buddy ($3.99 at Container Store), a low-tech figure-eight-shaped piece of plastic that keeps cords under control. There are sizes for small, medium and large wires.

Music player ear buds: Much more portable than headphones, although don't be that guy who cranks up the volume on the plane, forcing your neighbor to listen to a tinny version of your music leaking from your buds.

Backup charger battery: I've been saved many times by being able to make a few more calls (or watch the rest of that episode of "No Reservations" on a long flight) because of a backup battery. When there's no wall plug, I use the Gum Plus by Just Mobile ($69.99 at www.xtand.net). Pricier than most, but it can recharge an iPhone four times (as well as other gadgets).

A step up

The essential gear plus:

Flexible tripod: It takes up a fraction of the space of a standard tripod, but with the flexibility of a sideshow contortionist. I use the Joby Gorillapod for SLR ($39.95 at Joby.com), which is strong enough for the heaviest pro-sumer camera. The newest model comes with an adjustable ball head. (Tip: I've used two of the legs while shooting video to give the point-and-shoot camera "handles" for steadier shooting on a monopod base.)

Circular polarizing lens filter (and adapter) for the point-and-shoot camera: It's what ensures that the water and sky will always look more inviting in travel magazines.

Laptop: When editing photos and videos and posting to a blog are priorities, the laptop comes along. I use a basic Apple MacBook ($999 minimum at the Apple Store), mostly because it handles photos and video better than a PC. Also, watching movies on the plane is just better on a laptop screen.

Laptop charger: Laptop power cords are generally larger than for other gadgets, and Apple's is no exception. On the plus side, you can remove the heavy-duty cable and clip an adapter to plug it directly into the wall.

USB car charger: Several companies make a charger that lets you plug various USB charging cords into the cigarette lighter on the dash. I use Griffin's 2.1-amp Car Charger for iPod, iPhone and iPad ($17.99 at Amazon.com), which charges at a slightly higher rate than most.

Plug adapter: This is different from a power converter; it's only to make U.S. plugs fit into overseas outlets. I use the Kensington International Travel Plug Adapter ($19.99 at kensington.com), a tennis-ball-size unit with a fuse and retractable prongs that allow charging in 150 countries. (Tip: The vast majority of gadgets now are able to deal with overseas power; look on the power supply to make sure it says "Input 100-240V." If so, you shouldn't need a power converter. That said, not all power supplies are completely safe.)

MP3 player: For music without using up the smart phone's battery. I use an iPod Nano ($149 at the Apple Store), which has a touch screen and can hold music and photos, and comes with a radio tuner and memo recorder.

Noise-canceling headphones: Relatively simple way of making the horrors of flying more survivable, as well as avoiding some of the jet lag fatigue. I use True Fidelity Foldable Active Noise Canceling Headphones from Able Planet ($99.99 at www.ableplanet.com).

SD memory card reader: Store photos on the laptop or, even better, use the laptop to upload them to an online storage site, just in case catastrophe strikes your camera or card. I use a Vivitar model that also has slots for compact flash and SIM cards. (Around $12 at Amazon.com.)

Padded bags: Neoprene wine carriers from Built NY ($17 at www.builtny.com) make great gear holders for point-and-shoots, camera flashes, chargers and other accessories. Case Logic ( www.caselogic.com) also offers a huge selection of padded sacks for most uses.

Gear junkie

Pro DSLR camera: An African photo safari? A tour of the temples of Bhutan? A hike past Patagonia's peaks? Take the big guns. If you're already a shutterbug, the kinds of shots you can get with a really good DSLR camera will make the extra 10-20 pounds well worth it. I carry an older Canon EOS D1 Mark II, although with the right lenses, many of the newer Canon Rebel bodies ($500-$900) will give you most of the same abilities.

Lenses: A really good wide-angle lens (24mm max) and a zoom lens with a really wide aperture (2.8 or lower) are the main differences between what's in magazines and what's on your Flickr site. I carry three lenses (when possible): a 17-35mm 2.8, a 50mm 1.8 and a 80-200 2.8. (Tip: A low aperture number is essential for photos with a narrow field of focus - when a subject is in focus but the background is blurry.)

Ethernet cord: Most hotels that are hard-wired for Internet service offer loaner cords, but I carry one for two reasons: 1) Just in case; and 2) If Wi-Fi costs extra but the Ethernet is free, I can set up my own Wi-Fi with a wireless router.

Wireless router: This might seem excessive, but you need Wi-Fi to download anything (e-mail, maps, attachments) onto a smart phone without extremely pricy international roaming fees. I carry an Apple Airport Express ($99), which works with Mac or PC.

External hard drive: If editing video, a backup hard drive is smart. I use the G-Drive Mini 500 GB ($169.99 at Amazon.com), which takes up almost no space and, because it runs off the laptop's power, doesn't require another plug.

Digital voice recorder: I record people's stories, either for background or for quotes; I record street musicians (to use as background music for video); and I record people in videos (including myself) so I have better sound that I can edit into the video as a replacement for the camera's crappy sound. I use an Olympus LS-10 Linear PCM Recorder ($220-$449 on Amazon.com), although there are less-expensive models that will do for this type of work.

Rechargeable batteries and charger: If you have items that use AA batteries, consider rechargeables, not just for the eco angle but because you might be somewhere that doesn't sell disposables. I use Duracell Pre Charged Rechargeable NiMH Batteries ($12 for a four-pack at most supermarkets) and the compatible charger (about $10 at electronics stores).

Mini roll of gaffer tape: Easier to work with than duct tape, and has saved me in dozens of situations. (Lacking a tripod, I once taped a large DSLR camera to a railing to get a night shot.)

Wish list

Apple iPad: As tablets go, it's still the king (unless, of course, the only thing you'll ever do with it is read a book). E-mail, maps, Google Earth, language apps and, with the right adapter, you can upload the day's photos to view and edit them at full size. (Starts at $499 for Wi-Fi version.)

EyeTV Hybrid TV Tuner Stick: Nifty gadget that hooks up to cable or an antenna and allows you to watch (and record) TV on your laptop. Even converts recorded shows for use in iTunes. ($149.95 at Elgato.com.)

Kensington KeyFolio Bluetooth Keyboard and Case for iPad: Protective case that has a built-in Bluetooth-connected keyboard. Since the iPad's built-in keyboard is its biggest weakness, this allows you to type without having to watch your fingers. ($99.99 at kensington.com)

Mobile Wi-Fi device for laptops: Yes, my smart phone is great for most things, but I don't love typing an 800-word column with my thumbs. Most of the major carriers (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon) sell the device with a service subscription that, in general, works in the same places that their phones do.